Rinat Akhmetov: The problem of orphanage is counting its last days

On 19 December, FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov along with the composer Igor Krutoy visited orphans from the Dnipropetrovsk region. During the visit, Rinat Leonidovich answered the questions from children and journalists.


- Rinat Leonidovich, what was the most difficult choice that you had to make in your life and what factors helped you make the right decision?

Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation for Development of Ukraine Announced Contest of Digital Future of Journalism

Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation for Development of Ukraine and Kyiv Mohyla School of Journalism (National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy) announced a contest for participation in the Digital Future of Journalism program. The project seeks to involve journalists and editors, leaders of future newsrooms, to a new media digital culture. Best Ukrainian and international teachers will provide attendees with knowledge and skills of applying digital technologies to gather, process and distribute information,

The project runs for eight months in form of weekly modules focused on various aspects/issues of content creation and its distribution to audiences. The best attendees in the course will travel (this year to the best editorial offices in Washington and New York) for the April module.

Applications are accepted from 7 September and until 3 October 2011 inclusively.

Requirements:

•    to fill in the application form (as indicated below) with education background, experience and type of media activity, computer skills, English proficiency

•    to submit the letter of support from employer with confirmation that the employee is allowed to be off work during the training period (the whole study period – 8 weeks during 8 months)

•    to present digital creative case studies (photos, audios or videos, blogs, web-sites) showing your interest in digital technologies.
 
Knowledge and skills of digital media will be checked on 11-12 October 2011.

The conversation with Admission Committee Members is scheduled for 18-19 October 2011.
 
The course starts on 7 November 2011 and is free of charge.

Profile: Digital Future of Journalism is a joint project of Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation for Development of Ukraine and the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. For four years of project life 90 school leavers acquired unique knowledge facilitating their professional and career development. At present 20 leavers are holding positions of senior editors, editors in chief and media holdings executive managers. Foundation for Development of Ukraine has invested over USD 1.5 million in the project.

via fdu.org.ua

Tatyana Bakhteeva: Any contribution to saving lives is important

Ukrainian philanthropic charitable initiatives are the clear example of the social responsibility in business. But alas, the existing tax system is not stimulating business activities in the social sphere.
Taking into account the health condition of our citizens and the limited availability of health services, any contribution to saving the lives and health can not be evaluated other than as important and necessary.

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Reports on Reducing the Tuberculosis Burden in Ukraine

The meeting of stakeholders took place on 30 June 2011 in the conference hall of the Khreschatyk hotel where R9 primary recipients of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria reported on their work for the period from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011 and discussed the general issues to be considered and agreed upon by the stakeholders.
Participants presented the following reports:

Program implementation results for Reducing the TB Burden in Ukraine through Expanding and Enhancing Access to High Quality TB Services – Tetyana Bilyk, Foundation for Development of Ukraine.
Program implementation results for Support for Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Treatment and Care for Most Vulnerable Population Groups in Ukraine – Volodymyr Kurpita, All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Program implementation results for Support for Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Treatment and Care for Most Vulnerable Population Groups in Ukraine – Pavel Smirnov, Deputy Director in charge of program-related issues, International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine

The meeting featured presentation of the Stop TB in Ukraine program logo. The partners were informed about the logo creation and selection process.  The participants discussed and planned the national-scale events within the framework of the following programs:
National Conference to Fight TB Epidemic (initiated by the Foundation for Development of Ukraine)
Concluding Conference on Strengthening Ukraine’s Response to HIV/AIDS Epidemic by Providing Services and Information (SUNRISE) (initiated by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine)
Besides, the meeting organizers announced that Michel Kazatchkine, GFATM Executive Director, is visiting Ukraine in October 2011 and disclosed the purpose and program of his visit.

Rinat Akhmetov Congtratulates on the Miner's Day and the Donetsk City Day

Dear friends!
On August 28 we celebrate the Miner’s Day, a professional holiday of the brave and courageous people whose work is a daily feat.

This day is special for the Donetsk citizens - the Miner's Day and the Donetsk City Day.

“Donetsk” and “a miner” are closely connected words that complement each other. And this is our strength.

On this day we express our sincere gratitude to every miner for his professionalism and self-sacrificing work.

Mining is the most heroic profession and it still remains one of the most dangerous jobs. Our priority is to make it as safe as possible.

It will always be a heroic profession because the heroism is part and parcel of a miner.

I sincerely wish every miner's family in Donetsk and all other regions of Ukraine confidence in the future, good health and prosperity.

Happy Miner's Day! Happy City Day!

FC Shakhtar President Rinat Akhmetov 


picture from shakhtar.com

Rinat Akhmetov allocates USD 2 million for TB control in Nikolaev region

Nikolaev region signed a memorandum with Rinat Akhmetov Foundation " Development of Ukraine" within the framework of the Project "Stop TB in Ukraine"
Today, August 19, 2011, Memorandum of understanding and cooperation was signed between Nikolaev regional council, Nikolaev regional state administration, and Rinat Akhmetov Foundation "Development of Ukraine". The document was countersigned in the framework of the Foundation's program "Stop TB in Ukraine", which is supported by the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The main directions and tasks for cooperation will be:

• Effectively functioning National and Regional programs to combat TB epidemic;
•  Effective laboratory TB diagnosis; TB case management in accordance with the World Health  Organization international standards ; 
• Improved human capacity of TB service; 
• Effectively functioning monitoring and evaluation system in TB control; 
• Effective system for detection and treatment TB/HIV co-infection ;
•  Improved capacity of state systems for effective control.

Anatoly Zabolotny, Director of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation "Development of Ukraine" says: "Nikolaev region is the first region we're signing memorandum with. This region is one with the highest TB incidence. Back in 2007, Rinat Akhmetov began fighting the TB epidemic in the Donetsk region, running a pilot program. Also, until 2010, before signing the grant agreement with the Global Fund, we have implemented a number of Ukrainian projects on tuberculosis control. After receiving approval and confidence of the international community, we'll go with ambitious program in all regions of Ukraine. Our goal is to overcome the TB epidemic for ever. In order to do this in Nikolayev region, in particular, a department will be created for treatment of patients with resistant forms of tuberculosis. Starting from 2013 until 2015, when the program will be completed, we will be annually purchasing drugs for 120 patients, in total  for 360 patients in general health care facilities for 3 years and up to 120 patients in prison system. Laboratory network will also be equipped, and personnel will be trained under the new scheme. Biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, boxes for storage and transportation of biological material will be procured and installed."

Foundation " Development of Ukraine" press release , Nikolaev, August 19, 2011
picture source: nikvesti.com 

Rinat Akhmetov Holding Compensates Miners' Families

The leadership of Krasnodonugol coal group (Lugansk Oblast), to which Sukhodolskaya-Vostochnaya Mine (Sukhodolsk, Lugansk Oblast) belongs, mourn deeply for the death of people caused by an accident at Sukhodolskaya-Vostochnaya Mine on 29 June 2011 and express condolences to the injured miners and their families. Each family of miners killed in the accident received financial help of UAH 1m. Everything possible is being done today to save people and eliminate the damage.
Reference:
Krasnodonugol is one of the biggest coal groups in Ukraine that produces and enriches coking coal of «Zh» and «К» grades. It consists of seven mines and colliery administrations, two enrichment plants, and service divisions. The group employs 15,000 people. Krasnodonugol is included into the Coal and Coke Division of Metinvest. 

Welcome speech of Rinat Akhmetov at presentation of the Foundation for Effective Governance, 6th December 2007

Dear friends,
Dear ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank you sincerely for finding time and making it possible to join us today to learn about our Foundation.
I established the Foundation for Effective Governance in January 2007. Today I would like to explain to you why I mean created the Foundation; what goals we have set before ourselves; and what is my role.
The Foundation was established to contribute to the economic growth of Ukraine. The Foundation was established to make our economy more competitive in Europe and globally. And the most important reason, the Foundation was established to improve the standard of living and quality of life of each Ukrainian.
How are we going to achieve this?
The Foundation funds long-term projects and programs which are of strategic importance for the country. To develop and implement them, we invite the best Ukrainian and international experts. Everything we do is aimed at one goal: encouraging economic growth.
I know very well that Ukraine has many problems: low pensions, low salaries, problems in the heath care and education systems, as well as poor infrastructure. They are all systematic and require significant funding and resources both human and financial. This is why our main goal is facilitating Ukraine’s economic growth.
I think nobody doubts that the country needs reforms to achieve economic growth. But reform is a complex and sometimes painful process that needs to be managed effectively.
A clear, understandable, and long-term strategy always underlies effective governance. This is the strategy of victory that always prevails over a momentary interest.
Unfortunately, we have become used to looking under our feet so as not to trip over. Very often we cannot manage to do this and fall down, while our real task is to see the future and move forward.
I understand that we will come across many obstacles on this path. In order to overcome them successfully, we need to learn from the world’s best practice. And we should not be ashamed or afraid of it. This is why we will bring in the best local and international experts with similar experience in other countries.
And finally, what is my role?
My role is really simple – to provide stable funding and not to interfere with Foundation’s activity.
All decisions are made by the Board of Trustees which consists of people with excellent international reputations and experience that is important for us.

I would like to add that the Foundation is open to other partners.

Thank you for attention!

RINAT AKHMETOV: CHARITY IS THE ABILITY TO FEEL OTHERS’ PAIN

Rinat Akhmetov: I will always be concerned in charity 

In March 2008 Charitable Foundation "Development of Ukraine" has reported on their activities for the first time for two years of its functioning. Project outcomes were summarized, Foundation’s complete financial report was presented, as well as the prospective directions and projects of the Foundation for 2008 presented. Rinat Akhmetov,  who established the Foundation, a businessman and MP from the Party of Regions  has allocated $150 million to finance the projects and programs of "Development of Ukraine" for the next 5 years.

Annual report of the Foundation "Development of Ukraine" was an important indicator of Ukrainian charity.
Presentation of Foundation’ annual report became an unprecedented event for Ukraine. It has become an important performance indicator not only for the Foundation, but for Ukrainian charity as a whole. And the remarkability of this event for the country lies in the fact that the revival of charity tradition is coming not from abroad, but is done through national efforts.

The announcement of the Foundation official status change was no less important: corporate "System Capital Management" charity foundation became Rinat Akhmetov personal Foundation.  

In his opening remarks, Rinat Akhmetov has noted that the presentation was a very important event to him. He believes that in Ukraine there are system problems that only a systematic approach can beat. In his view, these problems need to be sounded loudly. He said: “I do like the words, that charity has a quiet voice.  So, I silently donated and helped to those who needed it. That was my principle; it was my first stage of charity. But, unfortunately, in our country there are systematic problems that cannot be resolved quietly ".

Charity is the ability to feel others' pain

 
Corporate Foundation "Development of Ukraine" was created by SCM in 2005. "This was my second stage in charity: the stage of corporate social responsibility” - said Rinat Akhmetov. “And now, today, the third charity phase comes: the stage of personal responsibility." According to him, he would always be engaged in charity activities. Explaining his role in the Foundation, Rinat Akhmetov said that it consisted of three things: "First is to define Foundation philosophy, second is to create a team that shares this philosophy and third is provide steady funding. What is my philosophy of charity? Charity is the ability to feel other people' pain. Charity is the ability to share others’ pain. Charity is a systematic control of system problems. Charity means focusing on results and transparency. "

Philanthropy in Ukraine - PR or a generous impulse?

The tradition of helping the deprived and donating to charity is new to the independent Ukraine.
Patronage is the new concept for many people and somewhat smirched with some charitable foundations that served to launder money. Besides, the government is not interested that the rich help the poor.
On all-Ukrainian Charity Day, marked on each second Sunday of December, Anastasia Daugule, Podrobnosti correspondent, has tried to find out who the Ukrainian philanthropists are. This time is just fit for the active patronage, when winter holidays begin. Starting from St. Nicholas day till the New Year and Christmas day all kinds of philanthropists invade schools and orphanages. But once the New-Year trees are out, charitable activities die down, exactly for six months before Children's Day marked in summer.
By a happy coincidence cameras are always switched on when politicians, businessmen and showmen are reeling off with little deprived Ukrainians.

Akhmetov Foundation helps to save a child's family

On June 14th 2011, Rіnat Akhmetov Foundation for the Development of Ukraine, Donetsk City Council and international NGO HealthRight have signed a cooperation agreement for the implementation of the project "Save a Child's Family" 

Main objectives of the joint project are as follows: to identify and then to provide various assistance to families with children who appeared in difficult situations; to communicate with parents in order to prevent the deprivation of parental rights, and getting children to boarding schools, not to allow the streets teaching children. 

Dry statistics shows disappointing figures: in 2010 in Donetsk 208 families with 343 children received social welfare, while social services were provided nearly to 4,000 families. "Children in difficult circumstances should not remain alone with their problems. Our common goal is to do everything possible to make the life of our children better ", said Donetsk mayor Alexander Lukyanchenko. This is not the first experience of the city to jointly address problems of children in need. The mayor said that experts are now completing the design of the dormitory for orphans under 18 years. The municipal budget has allocated 1,7 million UAH to finance the newly created rehabilitation center for children with ICP (infantile cerebral paralysis), established by parents’ initiative. 
It is obvious to everyone that in addition to solving the problems associated with orphanhood, it is effective assistance to families is essential. We can say that today the best way to care for a child is to help his family, - said  Darya Kasyanova, Leader of Programm,  Foundation Development of Ukraine.

Anatoliy Zharov for daily Donetskie Novosti
16 June 2011

Rinat Akhmetov's biography

Rinat Leonidovych Akhmetov is a Ukrainian businessman and politician, owner and president of SCM Holdings, the president of the Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk.

21 September 1966 - Rinat Akhmetov was born on  in Donetsk, Ukrainian SSR to a Tatar working-class family - his father was a coal-miner.   
1995 - Akhmetov founded Donetsk City Bank and became its head.
1996 - he became the president of the football team, FC Shakhtar and has held this post since then.
2001 - he graduated from Donetsk National University with a degree in marketing.
2000 - Akhmetov founded System Capital Management Group (SCM), and it has grown to be one of Ukraine’s leading financial and industrial firms with revenues of $8.151 billion in 2009.
Since March 2004 Rinat Akhmetov has been the president of SCM.

In Forbes' 2011 Ukrainian rating Rinat Akhmetov has an estimated fortune of $16 billion.
Since the 2007 Ukrainian parliamentary election Akhmetov is a member of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) for the Party of Regions.
Akhmetov is involved with charities and philanthropies that are often humanitarian, and often to support causes that assist Ukrainian citizens.
In 2005 he founded the Foundation for Development of Ukraine which is to  eliminate the roots of social problems in Ukraine.
In 2007, Akhmetov founded the Foundation for Effective Governance to support economic development of Ukraine. In 2008 Akhmetov donated $29 million to charity, making him the No.1 in a list of top ten businessmen who donated for charity in 2009.

Awards and recognitions:
2001 - Ukrainian national award “Priznaniye” (Recognition) for a significant contribution to philanthropy
2006 - the title of the Honorary citizen of Donetsk
2008 - Donetsk Citizens Recognition Prize in the nomination "Caring for the future"
1999 - Honored Worker in Physical Culture and Sports
Full Chevalier of the Order of Merit (1 class in 2006, 2 class in 2004, 3 class in 2002)
Chest Badge "Miner's Glory" of 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes Golden medals of Ukrainian football Championship (2002, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010)
2007 - Pakistan civilian award Sitara-e-Pakistan (Star of Pakistan)
2010 - Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th class

He is married to Liliya Smirnova with two sons: Almir Akhmetov (1997) and Damir Akhmetov (1988)